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Deny Yourself

LEARNING TO DELAY GRATIFICATION IS ONE OF LIFE’S ESSENTIAL LESSONS.

Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Self-denial has an incredible impact on a human being. It refines the soul, sharpens the senses, strengthens the will, and tempers our desires.

We will explore this more in a later section, but let me offer this starting point: Say no to yourself at least once a day. Perhaps you are craving a Coke. Say no and have water. Perhaps you don’t want to exercise. Say no to your laziness and work out. Perhaps you don’t feel like getting on with your work. Get on with it.

Your life will be infinitely better if you learn to deny yourself. Just say no.

Act

Pray

Jesus, give me the grace and the strength to say no to myself.

Watch today’s second video, featuring a Dynamic Catholic team member. Sarah Richards is our research analyst and comes to us from Columbus, Ohio. Sarah loves her inflatable kayak, enjoys quilting, and teaches eighth grade Confirmation and religious education classes at her parish.

In what area of your life do you exhibit the most self-control? In what area do you exhibit the least self-control?

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